Apathy Has Its Price
Dear Leading Ladies,
Last week was a busy one in the news. The war in Gaza and Israel. The war in Ukraine. Election Day. The Republican debate. The Trump civil fraud trial in New York. The aftermath of the recent horrific mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine.
A lot to pay attention to. The thing is, a lot of people have chosen not to pay attention. They have tuned out. The news is too upsetting and makes them feel depressed and helpless. Many say they have disconnected for the sake of their own mental health.
In our country, where voting is optional and how we vote is private, we all have the right to remain uncommitted and uninvolved. Even apathetic. But we should know the risks if we choose this path.
A reason to care: “Progress is relentless and as we move up the technological ladder, we are melting ice, destroying forests, and devastating the oceans. In the process, the two worlds—man and nature—continue to drift apart…The world as we know it is very fragile, and the current state of affairs—from political conflicts and nuclear tension to the climate crisis—means that the end could very well be nigh. These things are real, and if they continue as they are, the outcome will be catastrophic.” Wildlife photographer Dimitry Kokh
If we choose not to be informed about issues that impact the environment — climate change, sustainability, clean water, smart power choices, animals at risk of extinction — we cannot vote wisely on decisions that can help save our planet.
If we choose not to be informed about the two wars our country is involved in now, we risk accepting simplistic historical narratives and passing on useless ideas for solutions, rather than understanding the complexity of both situations and spreading truths that might help mend some discord.
If we choose not to be informed about the changing and often discriminatory immigration policies of our country, we risk abdicating our voice in creating humane and sensible immigration laws.
If we choose not to be informed about gun control laws and health care and a woman’s right to choose, we risk ceding ever more power to those who oppose common sense gun laws, health care for all, and abortion rights.
If we choose not to be informed about the accurate history of institutional racism and other forms of bias and discrimination in our country’s past and present, we risk supporting the continuation of such practices.
If we choose not to be informed, we may not know whom to vote for or how to vote on various bills or proposals. Worse, we may be more likely not to vote, a choice that neutralizes the largest power we have as citizens. And make no mistake. The upcoming presidential election will depend on who gets out the vote. The more people are discouraged and, thus, disengaged, the fewer people will vote.
We assume that those of you reading this letter are engaged newsreaders, but we bet you know those who are not. We urge you to coax others to overcome their apathy, to stay informed about the issues, and to vote. We all need to keep talking as if our lives depend on it. Because they do.
Be well,
Therese (she/her/hers)
Judy (she/her/hers)
Didi (she/her/hers)
Leading Ladies Executive Team